The gorgeous town of Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Editorial credit: Shawn.ccf / Shutterstock.com.

11 Stunning Small Towns In Alberta

What comes to mind when you picture Alberta? Between gorgeous glacial lakes, world-famous ski resorts, legendary national parks, and fascinating fossils dating back millions of years, Canada's "Sunshine Province" is a wonderful destination to explore all year round. From the powdery snow-covered slopes of Banff to the historic Edwardian structures of Lacombe, discover these 11 stunning small towns in Alberta you need to add to your bucket list today.

More In AlbertaAlberta's small towns don't just say hi, they pull up a chair, pour the coffee, and authentically ask where you are visiting from.

Banff

Iconic and Historic Fairmont Banff Springs in the town of Banff in the Canada Rockies seen from the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Iconic and Historic Fairmont Banff Springs in the town of Banff in the Canadian Rockies seen from the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Starting with one of the most famous destinations in all of Canada, Banff is an excellent town for outdoor adventures. Between jaw-dropping views from the Banff Gondola, where you can see six mesmerizing mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the beautiful town from the summit of Sulphur Mountain—and the exquisite thermal springs and emerald-colored basin of Cave and Basin National Historic Site—you will find plenty to do here besides skiing. Surround yourself with picturesque natural scenery in the Cascade of Time Garden, where gorgeous greenery and lush flower beds (peak blooming season is from late May to early September) make the perfect spot for photography, with the towering Cascade Mountain in the background. You will fall in love with the spectacular scenery of Banff Upper Hot Springs as you bathe in the rejuvenating mineral waters, taking in the mesmerizing views of the mountains.

Banff gondola in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
Banff gondola in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Canmore

A street in Canmore, Alberta, in front of the Rocky Mountains.
A street in Canmore, Alberta, in front of the Rocky Mountains.

If you would like to capture the beauty of the Rockies while skipping the crowds, Canmore is the place to be. Head into the heart of the Bow River Valley to visit one of the most stunning small towns in Alberta, surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks. Explore the breathtaking Grassi Lakes Trail, a lovely four-kilometer hike with options to see the mesmerizing turquoise lake or cascading waterfall with remarkable views of the valley. Capture striking photos of the 1891-built Canmore Engine Bridge, backed by the extraordinary Rocky Mountains and beautiful Bow River. For an indoor adventure, the Art Country Canada Canmore Gallery features exquisite original paintings by exceptional Canadian artists.

Canmore, near Banff National Park.
Canmore, near Banff National Park.

Drumheller

The dinosaur capital of the world, Drumheller, Alberta.
The dinosaur capital of the world, Drumheller, Alberta. Image credit rybarmarekk via Shutterstock

Let yourself be transported millions of years back in time with a mesmerizing trip to Drumheller. Between Tyra, the World's Largest Dinosaur, standing 25 meters tall (with 106 stairs to the top), and the prehistoric dinosaur exhibits of the Royal Tyrrell Museum, you will be blown away by what Drumheller has to offer. See the carnivorous dinosaur's 70-million-year-old skull discovered by geologist Joseph Burr Tyrrell in 1884, and walk among the giants in the fascinating Dinosaur Hall. From there, head outdoors to see the spectacular Alberta landscape as you make your way across the Red Deer River via the 117-meter Star Mine Suspension Bridge.

Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta.
Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta.

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake, Alberta.
Sylvan Lake, Alberta.

Welcome to Sylvan Lake, an outdoor oasis for nature lovers. Discover all kinds of summer activities in Sylvan Lake Park, from swimming to power boating, sunbathing, water skiing, and paddling. Take the kids for a fun-filled water adventure at Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash, and enjoy a scenic stroll by the water as you venture through the picturesque Rotary Lighthouse Park. Treat your tastebuds to some delicious fish tacos or steak sandwiches at Sun of a Beach, a locally owned family restaurant serving tropical-inspired dishes and hand-crafted cocktails near the water.

Jasper

The gorgeous downtown area of Jasper, Alberta, Canada.
The gorgeous downtown area of Jasper, Alberta, Canada. Image credit Shawn.ccf via Shutterstock

If glistening turquoise lakes and breathtaking waterfalls sound like your idea of a dreamy getaway, then say hello to Jasper; one of the most stunning small towns in Alberta. Take the Jasper SkyTram 2,263 meters up Whistler's Mountain, unraveling picturesque panoramic views from the top. Soak in the magnificent mountain vistas from Miette Hot Springs, located in Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. See the striking Athabasca Falls, from where you can head on a whitewater rafting adventure down a 12-kilometer section of the Athabasca River.

Okotoks

Facades of beautiful buildings at the Saskatoon Farm in Okotoks, Alberta.
Facades of beautiful buildings at the Saskatoon Farm in Okotoks, Alberta. Image credit Jeff Whyte via Shutterstock

Approximately 30 to 40 minutes driving south of Calgary lies Okotoks. This enchanting small town features lovely landscapes and geological wonders you can not miss. See the Okotoks Erratic “Big Rock,” a fascinating landmark formed by a moving glacier roughly 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, that has great significance for the Blackfoot peoples. Work on your aim in the breathtaking D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club, an 18-hole public links-style course with beautiful slopes, a tree-lined ravine, and natural water reservoirs. You can also drive to the nearby Sheep River Provincial Park, home to extraordinary trails, the crystal-clear Sheep River, scenic campsites, and an abundance of wildlife.

Chestermere

Aerial view of Chestermere Lake in Alberta.
Aerial view of Chestermere Lake in Alberta.

Roughly 30 minutes east of Calgary, you will find Chestermere, one of the most stunning small towns in Alberta. Between the picturesque scenery of Anniversary Park, a lovely place to unwind on the beach or enjoy a peaceful stroll by the water near Chestermere Lake, and the gorgeous greenery of Lakeside Golf Club with its challenging water features, the town will captivate you with its beauty. After your adventures, book a rejuvenating massage, healing skin treatment, or luxurious manicure-pedicure in The Lakeshore Spa, where you will leave feeling pampered and restored.

Fort Macleod

Downtown Fort Macleod, Alberta.
Downtown Fort Macleod, Alberta. Image credit Jeff Whyte via Shutterstock

Whether you would like to see fascinating historical attractions or vibrant natural scenery, Fort Macleod is a wonderful destination for history buffs and nature lovers. Unravel over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture as you see the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with scenic landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programs. Discover over 11,000 artifacts in The Fort Museum, where you can also see an intriguing NWMP Musical Ride performance featuring skilled horsemen, with its history dating back to 1876. Fort Macleod is also one of the closest cities to Waterton Lakes National Park, known for its beautiful waterfalls, clear lakes, and exquisite mountain views.

Camrose

Aerial view of Camrose, Alberta, with Mirror Lake.
Aerial view of Camrose, Alberta, with Mirror Lake. Image credit Kenaxcix - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

With an average of 320 days of sunshine per year (according to the City of Camrose), a trip to this incredible city will quite literally brighten up your days. Get sun-kissed in Mirror Lake Park, a quaint spot to stroll around the lake, go bird-watching while paddling, or simply rest and relax in a gazebo. Grab a refreshing treat from OleO's Icecream Castle, where you can find tasty flavours from Maple Walnut to Sangria Sorbet, Sea Salt Caramel, and more. Culture vultures will be thrilled to hear that Bailey Theatre, Alberta’s oldest live performing arts theatre (dating back to 1911), is also in town, where a variety of genres, including comedy, opera, action films, Shakespearean, and more are featured.

High River

Businesses in the downtown area of High River in Alberta.
Businesses in the downtown area of High River in Alberta. Editorial credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock.com

Discover iconic pop culture landmarks and picturesque natural scenery in High River, one of the most stunning small towns in Alberta. For starters, High River is home to Maggie’s Diner, a popular filming location for the CBC Heartland series. Snap some photos with this famous attraction before you set out to play golf in a gorgeous setting at the 18-hole Championship Highwood Golf Course. From there, make your way to the Museum Of The Highwood, where over 45,000 objects with photographs, archives, and artifacts covering thousands of years of history are featured in Canada’s Sunshine Province.

Lacombe

Lacombe, Alberta.
Lacombe, Alberta.

A trip to Lacombe, with its historic restored Edwardian structures and scenic natural spots will captivate your heart. Fish for Rainbow Trout in the city in Len Thompson Trout Pond. Here, you can also see the World's Largest Fishing Lure, surpassing the former Guinness World Record holder in Texas by nearly 25 feet. Take the kids horseback riding at Flying Cross Ranch, where lessons are offered for all ages. You can also explore the local lakes with County Waters Kayaking; they offer all kinds of paddling experiences from full-day excursions to overnight kayak camping trips.

Renowned for its legendary ski resorts, picturesque national parks, and glistening glacial lakes, Canada’s “Sunshine Province” is filled with beauty. If you head past the big cities, you can discover all kinds of incredible landmarks, from gorgeous geological features to ancient fossils, fascinating museums, and more. From the spectacular scenery of Banff to the Edwardian gems of Lacombe, get ready to create unforgettable memories that will last you a lifetime in each of these stunning small towns in Alberta.

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Victoria Gimelfarb June 13 2025 in Places

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